Mass transport in plants general questions

Question 1

Suggest appropriate units the student should use to compare the distribution of stomata on leaves

Answer 1

number per mm2

Question 2

Give 2 reasons why it was important that the students counted the number of stomata in several parts of each piece of leaf tissue

Answer 2

To obtain a reliable mean
So it is a representative sample

Question 3

One of the two plant species used by the student in this investigation was a xerophyte.
Other than the distribution of stomata, suggest and explain two xerophytic features the leaves of this plant may have.

Answer 3

Hairs so trap water vapour and water potential gradient decreased
Stomata in pits so trap water vapour and water potential gradient decreased
Thick waxy layer so increases diffusion distance
Waxy layer so reduces evaporation
Curled leaves so traps water vapour and water potential gradient decreased
Spines so reduces surface area to volume ratio

Question 4

Why was median used as a measurement

Answer 4

Presence of outliers
Small sample size